newness

American  

[noo-nis, nyoo-] / ˈnu nɪs, ˈnju- /

noun

1. the fact or condition of having been only recently produced, purchased, discovered or learned about, etc..

   If the brakes seem a little “grabby,” it may be due to the newness of the car—just over 1,500 miles on the odometer.

2. the fact or quality of being unfamiliar or novel.

   It's a sweet song, speaking of the newness and excitement of falling in love for the first time.

3. the fact or condition of being unaccustomed to or unfamiliar with something (often followed byto ).

   Use your newness to the business as an excuse to bumble around, introduce yourself, and take people out to coffee.

4. the fact or condition of being fresh or previously unused or untouched.

   Following the blizzard, the newness of the snow cover made the ravine a serene-looking place.

5. the fact or quality of being different and better than before.

   For Christians, baptism symbolizes the death and burial of their old life and their resurrection to “walk in newness of life.”

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Other Word Forms

• unnewness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of newness

First recorded before 900; new ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Newness to the area notwithstanding, the situation’s seriousness was clear by Tuesday afternoon.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2025

Newness may be thrilling as a performer, but it’s not always easy for fans who expect certain things from their favorite artists.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

Newness incites the eye, and I am always a new thing.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2022

Newness is a fearsome gamble for producers, who love nothing more than vying for awards but can't ignore balance sheets.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2018

"Newness is a charm that soon wears off."

From The Clarion by Stevens, William Dodge

Related Words

• novelty
• uniqueness